Race-watchers didn't no where to look as the Horse & Jockey Rated Novice Hurdle neared it's conclusion at Thurles, with little over a length splitting the first four home in the two and a half miler. Gordon Elliott's Moratorium (4s out to 11/2) eventually gained the day under Jack Kennedy.

Market-leader Petit Tartare (9/4 into 6/4) rallied to be just a neck down at the line.

Gordon Elliott also supplied the third across the line, Getaway John (9/2 shot - had every chance), three parts of a length back.

Meanwhile winning owners Gigginstown House Stud had the eye-catching finisher too, Aforementioned (12/1), a short head off Getaway John in fourth.

"He is a grand honest horse who stays galloping and he's a horse who wants a fence in time. He was bought to be a chaser so we're delighted. We'll see what sort of a mark he gets and see what the story is," said Elliott.

"Getaway John let him down at the last and I'm not sure he went through with it. He did that at Navan the last day but today he gave the winner 6lbs so it wasn't a bad run; he has the ability but I don't know."

Regarding the sanction for schooling in public with Cullentra House Stables runner Braid Blue at Ayr yesterday Elliott said: "It'll cost me more money to go to England to appeal it, with getting lawyers and going over and back to London, so it's unlikely I will appeal. There are enough things to be worrying about in life."

Meanwhile on the equine flu Elliott explained: "I got a phone call yesterday at 8 o'clock to say not to bring the horses back to the yard and we put them into isolation and that's where they'll be until we find out everything's ok.

"There is only a minute chance of the horses catching it but we're not going to take any chances. We were blessed the horses didn't get back into the yard."

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Karl Der Grosse (GER), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

P. Townend, rider of Karl Der Grosse (GER) trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled, lost his action, made a noise and pulled up thereafter.

(TW & EM)